Glossary E-I

Electric driveAn electric drive is a drive with an electric motor. In an electric drive, electrical energy is converted into mechanical momentum. This momentum can be transformed into a swing or linear movement. In the latter case we also talk about a linear motor.

The range of deployment scenarios for electric drives is extremely diverse. In the construction/building sectors, electric motors can be used in rain/wind control, smoke extraction and to guard against break-ins. Electric motors are also deployed in fire alarm systems, including releasing post-rail mechanisms of all kinds. GEZE electric drives such as the E212 or E205 are used to control fanlights automatically and more.

Electromechanical hold-openWith an electromechanical hold-open device in the guide rail, a door closer is infinitely variable to an exact point. Because the hold-open device releases in the event of fire or power failure and the door closes securely, the closer is approved for smoke and fire doors. In the GEZE product range, closers featuring an electromechanical hold-open mechanism are designated by the letter “E”. Smoke and fire-proof doors are indicated by the letter “R” and likewise include an electromechanical hold-open device.

Emergency exitEmergency exits are doors which are integrated into the emergency exit system and are linked to the danger alarm system. In the case of an emergency, escape doors are opened automatically to enable the building to be evacuated quickly and safely. Modern building management technology coupled with the fire alarm system increases fire safety and thereby building safety.

Fanlight openerA fanlight is a window in the ceiling of a room where the roof is flat or slopes slightly. Fanlights are often fitted in large halls, as well as rooms with no external walls and therefore no regular windows. The main function of fanlights is to provide ventilation. Fanlights are therefore frequently an important component of natural RWA systems as they can be used to direct smoke out of the room or building.Fanlights can either be opened manually or automatically by an electric motor – these are also referred to as fanlight openers. It is possible to distinguish between manual fanlight openers – e.g. the GEZE OL90 N, OL95 and OL100 slimline fanlight openers – and automatic fanlight openers – GEZE slimline fanlight openers in conjunction with an electric drive such as the E212 or E205.

In each case, (cyclical) ventilation can be set up and there is an option for automatic, natural smoke and heat extraction in the event of fire. To be deployed in an RWA system, corresponding legal requirements (VDE regulations) must be complied with. These regulations determine whether certain smoke extraction openings are necessary, for example, or whether there are requirements affecting the smoke flap or the design of emergency power supply units in connection with fanlights.

Fire and smoke doorsFire and smoke doors are designed to prevent the spread of fire or smoke in buildings and must close automatically in accordance with the "Richtlinien für die Zulassung von Feuerschutzabschlüssen" (Directive on fire protection sections) of the Deutsche Institut für Bautechnik in Berlin. Insofar as they are held-open for a time, a general construction permitted hold-open system must be used (e.g. TS 5000 R).

Fixed leaf The fixed leaf is also referred to as the secondary leaf of a multiple leaf door. When closed it can be fixed into place whereas the moveable or active leaf can be opened and closed independently

Floor springFloor springs close single- and double-action doors of any material. The GEZE product range includes systems for low as well as heavy leaf weights (e.g. 250 kg), as well as for use on smoke and fire doors. The closers offer the following features:

Suitable for right and left single-action doors and for double-action internal doors

Floor springs with lever and guide rail are used on doors with load-carrying hinges. With a flush spindle and an extremely flat lever without an eye, this variant of floor springs can provide an opening angle of 180° at a floor level clearance of 9 mm.

Freeswing functionThe freeswing function allows doors to be used without any resistance in the direction of opening or closing (e.g. in retirement homes or hospitals) after the door has been opened once (such as in the morning). The GEZE TS 5000 EFS and 5000 RFS door closers both include this function.

Glass façadeGlass façades include any façade primarily made of glass. As well as the outer shell of large, prestigious buildings, there are also storefronts featuring sliding glass walls. The -->all-glass systemfrom GEZE makes it possible to design a glass façade so that distracting hardware elements are not visible.

Glass systemsThe GEZE glass systems offer individual solutions for a wide range of requirements. In all glass systems, the fittings are installed invisibly behind glass or the use of high-quality design fittings is chosen specifically.

Hinge endThe hinge end is the side of the window or door to which the leaf is fitted with the cover frame and where the swing axis is located. On this side of the window or door, the hinge elements are fitted/visible (e.g. TS 5000).

Hold-open devicesA hold-open system is a mechanism by which fire doors are held open electronically. Door leaves can thus be held in the open position until they are released, either manually or in the event of fire via the smoke detectors, and the door closes (e.g. TS 5000 R, TS 5000 R-ISM).

A hold-open system is made up of:

A trigger mechanism (processes the signals issued by the fire alarm system)

In the event of a fire, fire and smoke doors that are being held open are closed automatically. In Germany, hold-open systems on fire and smoke doors require a general construction permit from the Deutsche Institut für Bautechnik (DIBt), Berlin

Hold-open mechanisms A hold-open mechanism is part of a hold-open system. The interplay of a trigger mechanism, a fire alarm system and a power supply makes the hold-open system (e.g. TS 5000 E, Boxer E, TS 550 E, TSA 160 NT-F).

Hold-open systemsHold-open systems serve to hold-open or stop the door leaves and are to prevent the uncontrolled closing of the doors. They make the function of closing means (automatic drive or door closer) ineffective. A hold-open system consists of at least a smoke detector, a release device and a power supply. Fire and smoke protection doors which are kept open will then close automatically in the case of fire. In Germany hold-open systems require a general construction permit from the Deutsche Institut für Bautechnik (DIBt), Berlin

Integrated all glass systemGEZE offers a solution for integrated all glass systems. The profiles and the fittings system are integrated invisibly between the glass elements so that glass facades can be created without visible interruptions. The construction of the system can be made using -->single pane toughened safety glass or -->laminated safety glass

Integrated door closerAn integrated door closer (Boxer product range) offers discrete, reliable technology that is fully integrated into the door leaf, i.e. the guide rail is only visible while the door is opening.This system is also suitable for double-action doors, providing the same options for adjustment as the -->overhead door closer with guide rail.

ISO glassCommon abbreviation for insulating glass. It consists of multiple panes on top of one another (multiple glazing) to offer significantly improved thermal insulation. Insulating glass is now standard in housing construction.